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Pidurangala rock hike in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Pidurangala Rock is one of the best-hiking destinations that Sri Lanka has to offer. The trek up is full of amazing sights to see and you get treated to an amazing view of the surrounding landscape once you reach the top – here’s a closer look at what this hike is like.

Image credit- Unsplash, Damien Cornu,CC0

The History

Pidurangala was first established by King Kashyapa – the same king who commissioned the famous Sigiriya Fortress found close by – and was to serve as a Buddhist monastery and holy site. Pilgrims from all across the kingdoms would make the trek up the mountains to offer tribute and receive blessings.

The Way Up

There are plenty of Sigiriya hotels in the vicinity – for example, the Aliya Resort Resort and Spa – that will include a hike up Pidurangala in their itinerary. Do keep in mind that the hike can be a bit challenging – granted the reward is well worth it.

The Pidurangala Temple

Before you reach the top of the rock, you’ll first come across the Pidurangala Temple. While most of the temple has now unfortunately fallen into ruin, the massive Reclining Buddha Statue still remains and makes for an impressive sight.

The View

The view from the top of Pidurangala is simply amazing – from up here, you’ll get a great look at the nearby Sigiriya Fortress and well the endless expanse of forests and distant mountains that spread around in all directions.

Diving in Jeddah

There is a world of excitement waiting for all the divers out there in Jeddah. This article lists down a few of the most amazing dive sites in the seas here.

Image credit- Unsplash,
Sebastian Pena Lambarri,CC0

Sharm Obhur

You can enter this dive site right from the shores. The reef is easy to explore and perfect for beginners. You will see clown fish, turtles and eels. Maybe a Bullshark or 2 as well if you are lucky.

Abu Tair

If you are an experienced diver, you can try exploring the Staphonos shipwreck in Abu Tair. This was a cargo ship that carried cables, steel beams and chains, thus it is also called the Cable Wreck.

Abu Faramish

This spot is known for, yet another wreck called Ann Ann. The ship sits upright even to date with many of the rooms intact. You can also see the toilet in the ship which divers find quite interesting.

Jebel Al Lith

If you’ve already tried out all the activities, there are to do at your Jeddah accommodations the likes of Spectrums Residence Jeddah, its time you searched for some thrills. Jebel Al Lith offers a dive site which just happens to be the territory of the whale sharks!

Unusual Things to Do in Kandy

Kandy is one of the most amazing places to visit in Sri Lanka and is known as the cultural capital of the country. Here are a few things you can try out to experience the city better.

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Kirsty barnby,CC0

Visit the Temple of The Tooth Relic

Yes, this is the most iconic attraction here and it doesn’t really seem like an unusual thing to do. But ever thought of visiting in the evening? There are special rituals being carried out on some days after dusk, so you can inquire with your hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka before your visit.

Visit a spice garden

Ask around and you’ll find your way easily to the spice garden. It is usually one of the free things to do here in Kandy. You will come across plants like vanilla, cocoa, citronella, turmeric and much more.

Take the train to Ella

So, one of the most scenic train rides in the world would be the ride from Kandy to Ella. Try your best to hitch a ride and check out Ella as well.

Visit a gushing waterfall

If you stay at a hotel like Hunas Falls Hotel Kandy, the sound of the water will reach your ears no sooner you step out. Go on a tour and explore this wonder of nature, Hunas Falls.

Experience Diving in Maldives

Providing unparalleled views of the country’s stunning coral and marine life, diving in Maldives offers unforgettable adventures and is not to be missed when on holiday.

Choosing a Resort

When selecting a suitable resort, ensure that it has a dive school / centre that offers SSI and PADI certified courses for both beginners and pros. Consider properties such as Kandolhu Maldives that also feature half and full-day excursions to dive sites, private diving options and unique experiences like fluorescent night dives too.

House Reef Dives

For those new to diving, a great place to start would be at a house reef, usually found near an island resort and its Maldives villas. Such house reefs can be easily accessed and provide ideal opportunities to encounter diverse marine species from colourful reef fish to hawksbill turtles, eagle rays, manta rays and even various sharks.

Key Dive Sites

There are plenty of dive sites in Maldives especially in destinations such as the North and South Ari Atolls. Notable hotspots include Fishhead and Maaya Thila that are two Protected Marine Areas home to grey reef sharks, Moofushi Manta Point (December to April), the Fesdu Wreck and Hammerhead Shark Point at Rasdhoo Atoll.

When to Dive

You can enjoy diving here year-round; that said, December to May, the dry season, generally has the best weather and visibility. However, you can still enjoy diving in the rainy season (June to November) too and in some locations, the build-up of plankton during this time will attract more whale sharks and manta rays.

Thrilling Dubai Desert Safari Experiences – Fun Adventures Amidst the Dunes

If you are looking to add some excitement to your holiday in Dubai, then don’t miss the chance to enjoy a desert safari; from thrilling activities to cultural insights there’s much to experience.

Planning the Excursion

Several tour operators offer desert safaris, though, for more convenience, properties such as Avani Deira Dubai Hotel will help organise such excursions for guests. You will be taken to a desert that’s within easy reach while depending on the tour, you will have the option of morning, sunset or overnight safaris.

Dune Bashing

Though there’s plenty of things to do in Deira, Dubai desert safaris offer some unique activities such as dune bashing; this action-packed experience involves being expertly driven up and down the dunes amidst the shifting sands at varying speeds in a 4×4 vehicle and will be unlike any ride you’ve taken!

Other Activities

Different desert safaris will also include other activities. Adrenaline junkies can look to try quad biking or exploring the vast sea of sand via a dune buggy. The huge dunes that can be found here are also ideal for sandboarding and sand skiing while not to be missed is the opportunity to go on camel rides too.

Bedouin-Style Camp

The perfect end to a desert adventure would be to have dinner at a Bedouin-style camp which is organised on some tours. You can not only look forward to delectable dinner buffets with Middle Eastern cuisine, but cultural elements too be it shisha smoking, henna painting or witnessing belly dancing.

The Ultimate Ski Guide

Skiing is no easy walk in the park. But for those who with a craving for adventure, mastering this sport shouldn’t be much of a challenge. Here’s what you should know before you try your hand at skiing during your stay at a Whistler hotel.

Learn the Rules

Look out for the figures on trail markers! Particularly in North America, you will find that a green circle marks an easy trail for first-timers whereas a black diamond with an exclamation mark would mark a trail that should only be attempted by highly-skilled skiers.

Know the Basics

A practical skiing lesson might be the best way of familiarizing yourself with skiing basics. Some properties in Canada, for instance, Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside, offers lessons that will help you master the basics.

Test out the Bunny Slope

A bunny hill includes ski lifts – a carpet lift or rope tow would help you discover skiing with its support mechanisms.

Hold Yourself Correctly

Skiing in Whistler|Image by Scott Hughes via Flickr

If you lean too far behind, you’ll note how it becomes increasingly difficult for you when it comes to taking a turn, making you lose control. Keep your knees bent as needed and your hands in front to maintain balance.

Tips for desert driving in Qatar

If you are afraid of saying yes to a desert road trip because of the safety risks, read on. With the right safety tips, your Qatar desert driving will be fun and memorable.

Desert safari in Qatar|Image via Unsplash

Carry more bottles of water- more and more!

Water becomes a life-saving fluid when you are desert driving in Qatar. Carry more and more water cans with you (and energy drinks and fresh juices if possible) to stay hydrated.

Stay filled!

It’ll be a horrible experience if you happen to get stuck in the middle of an endless desert without fuel in your vehicle. Check if you have enough gas before you go, and also have a reserve source of fuel.

Have a list of emergency numbers!

Most 5-star hotels in Doha the likes of Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli advise their guests to keep a list of contacts to call during an emergency. So, make sure you take this list when you come for desert driving too.

Check the tires before you go!

Your car tires should be healthy, and they can’t make any trouble during the ride. So, check the status before you start the engine, and always have a spare tire with you.

Best Places to See When You’re in Oman

Oman is a great country to spend your vacation. Located within a stone’s throw from Saudi Arabia and North of Yemen, it is pretty surprising how Oman is famous for its openness and hospitality – and they don’t even discriminate based on your religious preferences. So why not book an Oman resort today to enjoy the country’s beauty surrounded by its friendly natives!

Muttrah Corniche

A stroll along this long esplanade will bring you the joy of glimpsing Oman’s living history. This scenic waterfront promenade is peppered with cafés and restaurants. One should particularly visit Muttrah Corniche at night when the surrounding fountains are lit up and the atmosphere takes up a romantic glow.

Bimmah Sinkhole

Want a free pedicure? Why not sit on the edge of Bimmah Sinkhole and dip your toes in its beautiful emerald waters. Let those small fish nibble at your toes and scrape off those unsightly skin off your feet! This sinkhole can be found in the Falling Star Park (Hawiyat Najm Park), and it may feel as magical as it sounds.

Birkat Al Mawz

Located within a driving distance from properties such as Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, Birkat Al Mawz appears like an abandoned ghost town at first glance. It is nestled at the base of the Al Hajar Mountains, offering a window to observe what life in Oman was like several hundred years ago.

Wadi Shab

Wadi Sahib can be described as a playground gifted to the adventurous travellers by Mother Nature. Hiking, swimming, mountain climbing, and diving again – it has everything a thrill-seeker desires.

Cruise around the Maldives

The Maldivian archipelago is made up of over 1100 islands and just a few of them are inhabited. There is much to explore here. So, if you are a first-timer you might be wondering from where to start. But you could get the most of your trip if you went on a Maldives cruise.

Why cruise in the Maldives

Staying at one of the private islands in Maldives is all well and good. But the thing is you’ll never get to see the rest of the paradise. On a cruise on the other hand this is possible.

Image Credit: Naladhu Private Island Maldives

Themed cruises

All the cruises in the Maldives are themed. If you are looking for diving, snorkelling or island hopping, it is no matter, the Maldives has your cruise ready and waiting to be picked.

Best time to go

The weather is great all year round in the Maldives. But the best time to visit if you are planning on a cruise is between November and April when the weather is dry most of the time.

Boats

So, when it comes to a cruise in the Maldives, you even get to select what type of boat you will be travelling on. The destination offers cruised on dhonis, yachts and luxurious ships. You can either make a stop at hotels like Naladhu Private Island Maldives or even camp out at the beach for the night if you aren’t travelling in a luxury boat.

Whistler Helicopter Ride and Adventures

There is something ethereal about gazing down at the verdant landscapes and misty mountain tops from a helicopter. You can look forward to treating themselves to a visual feast during your stay at a Whistler ski resort the likes of Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre.

Propose on a Glacier

Fly your significant other over to a mystic glacier to show her how much she means to you. Proposing in an out-of-this-world place will add to that ‘love in the air’ ambience, which would surely make her realise how much she loves you, eliciting that much-awaited ‘Yes.’

Snap Iconic Wedding Photos

Rent a helicopter in Whistler and fly over to the glistening glaciers just after your vows to make that special moment more memorable. The helicopter can be your something borrowed!

Capture Insta-worthy Honeymoon Snaps

Apart from the myriad of activities catering for honeymooners in Whistler, helicopter adventure in this village is a must-experience to add that ‘wow’ element to your Instagram photos. Click that iconic photo in front of the helicopter with the glaciers in the backdrop to make your honeymoon memorable.

Relax among the Mountain Vistas

Why force yourself to ski on the slopes when you’ve got access to the best seat in the house to enjoy the impressive mountain views! Pair a helicopter adventure with your trip to Whistler village to create a vacation made in heaven.